"From the day that I was in office, I gave raises every six months," Core said. "The first six months of the year, they received a raise, and the second six months of the year, which would have been around Christmas time."

Core defended her action, saying there was nothing unusual about the raises.

"There wasn't anything that was done to hurt (Fitzmorris) in any way," Core said.

Core said after 20 years as assessor, she leave the office $3 million to the good.

But Fitzmorris comes into an operation embattled over several years, with rising assessments and questions from a legislative auditor.

"I think the employees are looking forward to the changes because of the structure we are actually going to be putting in place," Fitzmorris said.

Fitzmorris said he'll immediately increase the number of appraisers in the office, upgrade the website with access to more information and improve the office's ability to answer the phone.

"That is our goal: to be fair and equitable, and to once again be transparent," Fitzmorris said.

Fitzmorris underwent brain surgery for an aneurism just four weeks ago, something that may keep his current challenge in perspective.

Fitzmorris said he's looking for three things while he's in office: streamlining, transparency and fairness. He served 10 years as mayor of Abita Springs before being elected as assessor.

Coaches were more vocal and aggressive with players as training camp pushes ahead full steam. Players clashed with one another in several hard hits and tackles, indicating that ferocity was the name of the game.